Media Release

Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying human remains found in Kona last week.

Shortly after 7:30 a.m. Friday (September 27), Kona patrol officers responded to a report of human remains found in a vacant lot on the south side of Ololi Street in Kailua-Kona.

Officers found the decomposed body of a man believed to be a Caucasian between 50 and 60 years old, about 5-foot-3 and 150 pounds. All his upper teeth were capped. He was wearing shorts made of sweatshirt material, water socks and a jade crucifix hanging from a string around his neck. Found near the body was a dark backpack. The man may have been living on the empty lot.

An autopsy performed Friday determined that he died of natural causes.

Police ask anyone who may know his identity to contact Detective Joshua Lewis at 326-4646, extension 228, or jlewis@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.